FORMULA 1 HEADS TO SUZUKA FOR THIRD ROUND OF THE SEASON
This weekend, Formula 1 returns with the Japanese Grand Prix. Formula 1 heads to Suzuka for the final round of the triple-header in the Pacific region, before returning to Europe and taking a one-month break due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
Suzuka is one of the most historic tracks in Formula 1 and also one of the most demanding for drivers. Over the years, it has been the stage for many famous battles. This time could be no different, especially after what we have seen between George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the first two races of the season.
Russell won in Australia at Albert Park, while Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 victory two weeks ago in China. Mercedes enters the weekend as the favorite in Japan, but Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing will try to close the gap and put more pressure on them than they managed in Australia and China.
While the fight for first place does not seem very open at the moment, the battle for second and fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship looks much closer. Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull will fight to become the main challenger to Mercedes, with Ferrari currently seen as the strongest among them after a slow start from their rivals.
For fifth place in the Constructors’ standings, Haas F1 Team has started strongly, thanks to impressive performances from Oliver Bearman. However, Alpine, RB, and Audi all look capable of challenging them in the coming races.
The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit was first held in 1987. The track is 5.807 kilometers long, and the race will be run over 53 laps, for a total distance of 307.471 kilometers.
The track map of Suzuka
The track layout includes two straight mode zones. One is located on the main straight, while the second is on the straight before the famous 130R corner, ending right at its entry.
The overtake mode is activated at the exit of the final corner. As usual, once activated, it remains available for one full lap, giving drivers a chance to attack around the circuit.
What does Pirelli bring to Suzuka
At the Japanese Grand Prix, Formula 1 teams will use the three hardest compounds from Pirelli’s 2026 tire range. These are the C1 (Hard), C2 (Medium), and C3 (Soft). The C1 will make its first appearance of the season, as it was not used in Australia or China.
Suzuka Circuit is known for being very demanding on tires, with high loads and fast corners putting a lot of stress on them. This year, the entire track has been resurfaced, which means the asphalt is expected to be smooth but still dirty, offering low grip levels, especially at the start of the weekend.
Because of these conditions, graining could become an important factor, particularly when using the softer C3 compound. The behavior of both the hardest and softest tires will be key in understanding race strategy, as all three compounds could play a role depending on performance.
Temperature will also be important. The race takes place earlier than last year, when conditions were around 15°C. If temperatures remain low, tire wear should be limited, which could open the door to a one-stop strategy. However, this will depend on how much graining affects performance.
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